Power interface box

ABSTRACT

An isolated ground interface apparatus for providing a remote termination point for isolated ground conductors. The isolated ground interface apparatus includes an isolation transformer, at least one isolated ground receptacle, and an electrical interface. The isolation transformer establishes a neutral to ground bond and thereby prevents transmission of a common mode voltage from an input power supply to an electrical device. At least one isolated ground receptacle provides a separate ground reference point from a chassis ground for preventing transmission of electrical noise to the electrical device. The electrical interface electrically interconnects the isolation transformer, the input power supply, and the at least one isolated ground receptacle together. The input power supply transmits an electrical current through the electrical interface to the isolation transformer. The isolation transformer provides an isolated ground through the electrical interface to the isolated ground conductor electrically connected to the separate ground reference point of the at least one isolated ground receptacle. A method of providing electrical current supplied by an input power supply to at least one isolated ground receptacle using the electrical interface in a normal mode and a bypass mode.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a separately derived isolated ground interfaceapparatus and more particularly to a power interface box for connectingisolated ground (IG) receptacles at a termination point remote from themain electrical service entrance of the facility.

Isolated ground receptacles, typically orange in color, are used withcritical electronic systems to provide a separate ground reference pointfrom the safety or chassis ground required to protect personnel fromshort circuit voltages in the conduit/raceway system. Criticalelectronic systems include, but are not limited to, point of salenetworks, fueling management systems, computer networks, telecomsystems, security systems, automatic teller machines (ATM), internetkiosks, and self checkout point of sale networks.

Typically, an isolated ground conductor must be routed back to theelectrical service entrance grounding terminal of a facility exposingthe isolated ground conductor to electrical contamination (noise) byinduced voltages from other parallel current carrying conductors thatare run in the same conduits, raceways, and panelboards. This electricalcontamination compromises the true isolation of the isolated groundconductor thereby reducing its effectiveness.

The electrical contamination can cause damage, non-operation, ormisoperation of electronic components as a result of poor isolation inthe grounding path. Thus, there exists a need for a separate terminationpoint for the isolated ground conductor remote of the main serviceentrance to prevent electrical contamination.

The National Electrical Code (NEC) allows for alternate wiring of theisolated ground conductor to terminate at a separately derivedapparatus. A separately derived apparatus is produced by using anisolation transformer which has separate primary and secondary windingsused to provide protection from common mode electrical contamination.The isolation transformer provides an inductive cushion by establishinga neutral to ground bond. This bond prevents the formation andtransmission of common mode voltages to electrical devices, such as thecritical electronic systems listed above. The separately derivedapparatus, therefore, can be used to eliminate electrical contaminationassociated with long runs of an isolated ground conductor.

The present invention addresses these problems by providing a separatelyderived isolated ground interface apparatus utilizing a power interfacebox capable of providing an interface between the isolation transformerand the remote, hard wired isolated ground receptacles. Thus, theisolated ground interface apparatus provides isolated ground receptacleswith a separately derived isolated ground free of electricalcontamination.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide an isolatedground interface apparatus for eliminating electrical contamination ofan isolated ground conductor.

It is another object of the invention to provide an isolated groundinterface apparatus that eliminates the need to run an isolated groundconductor back to the main electrical service entrance of the facility.

It is another object of the invention to provide an isolated groundinterface apparatus with a power interface box for providing aninterface between an isolation transformer and an isolated groundreceptacle.

It is another object of the invention to provide an isolated groundinterface apparatus with an isolation transformer for preventing thetransmission of common mode voltages.

It is another object of the invention to provide an isolated groundinterface apparatus with an uninterruptible power supply that has anintegral isolation transformer.

It is another object of the invention to provide an isolated groundinterface apparatus with isolated ground receptacles.

These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in thepreferred embodiments disclosed below by providing an isolated groundinterface apparatus for providing a remote termination point forisolated ground conductors. The isolated ground interface apparatusincludes an isolation transformer for establishing a neutral to groundbond and thereby preventing transmission of a common mode voltage froman input power supply to an electrical device; at least one isolatedground receptacle for providing a separate ground reference point from achassis ground for preventing transmission of electrical noise to theelectrical device; and an electrical interface for electricallyinterconnecting the isolation transformer, the input power supply, andthe at least one isolated ground receptacle together, whereby the inputpower supply transmits an electrical current through the electricalinterface to the isolation transformer, the isolation transformerproviding an isolated ground through the electrical interface to theisolated ground conductor electrically connected to the separate groundreference point of the at least one isolated ground receptacle.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the isolatedground interface apparatus further includes an emergency power offswitch for disconnecting the electrical current supplied from theisolation transformer to the isolated ground receptacles.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, theelectrical device includes an electronic device selected from the groupconsisting of point of sale networks, fueling management systems,computer networks, telecom systems, security systems, automatic tellermachines, and internet kiosks.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, theelectrical interface includes a bypass switch for bypassing theisolation transformer for allowing service and maintenance to beperformed without disrupting the electrical current transmitted to theisolated ground receptacles.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, theelectrical interface includes at least one isolated ground terminationblock for electrically connecting the at least one isolated groundreceptacle to the electrical interface.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, theelectrical interface includes a female receptacle for receiving a maleplug from the isolation transformer.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, theelectrical interface includes an input power termination block forelectrically connecting the electrical current supplied by the inputpower supply to the electrical interface.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, theelectrical interface includes an emergency power off termination blockfor electrically connecting the emergency power off switch fordisconnecting the electrical current supplied from the isolationtransformer to the isolated ground receptacles.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, theelectrical interface includes a male plug for connecting the electricalinterface to the isolation transformer.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, an isolatedground interface apparatus for providing a remote termination point forisolated ground conductors includes an isolation transformer forestablishing a neutral to ground bond and thereby preventingtransmission of a common mode voltage from an input power supply to anelectronic device; a battery backup for providing an uninterruptiblepower supply to the electronic device; at least one isolated groundreceptacle for providing a separate ground reference point from achassis ground for preventing transmission of electrical noise to theelectronic device; and an electrical interface for electricallyinterconnecting the isolation transformer, the input power supply, andthe at least one isolated ground receptacle together, whereby the inputpower supply transmits an electrical current through the electricalinterface to the isolation transformer, the isolation transformerproviding an isolated ground through the electrical interface to theisolated ground conductor electrically connected to the separate groundreference point of the at least one isolated ground receptacle. Theelectrical interface includes at least one isolated ground terminationblock for electrically connecting the at least one isolated groundreceptacle to the electrical interface; an input power termination blockfor electrically connecting the electrical current supplied by the inputpower supply to the electrical interface; and a female receptacle forreceiving a male plug from the isolation transformer.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, theelectrical interface includes a male plug for electrically connectingthe electrical interface to the isolation transformer.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, anelectrical interface for an isolated ground interface apparatus havingan isolation transformer, an input power supply, and at least oneisolated ground receptacle, the electrical interface includes an inputpower termination block for electrically connecting an electricalcurrent supplied by the input power supply to the electrical interface;at least one isolated ground termination block for electricallyconnecting the at least one isolated ground receptacle to the electricalinterface; a male plug for connecting the electrical interface to theisolation transformer; and a female receptacle for receiving a male plugfrom the isolation transformer.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, theelectrical interface further includes a bypass switch for bypassing theisolation transformer for allowing service and maintenance to beperformed without disrupting the electrical current supplied by theinput power supply to the isolated ground receptacles.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, theinterface further includes an emergency power off termination block forelectrically connecting an emergency power off switch for disconnectingthe electrical current supplied from the isolation transformer to theisolated ground receptacles.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a method ofproviding electrical current supplied by an input power supply to atleast one isolated ground receptacle through an isolation transformerusing an electrical interface, the electrical interface having a normalmode, wherein the steps of transmitting electrical current to the atleast one isolated ground receptacle in the normal mode includestransmitting the electrical current from the input power supply to theelectrical interface for transmission of the electrical current to theisolation transformer; transmitting the electrical current from theelectrical interface to the isolation transformer for establishing aneutral to ground bond and thereby preventing transmission of a commonmode voltage from the input power supply to an electrical device;transmitting the electrical current from the isolation transformer tothe electrical interface for transmission of the electrical current tothe at least one isolated ground receptacle; transmitting the electricalcurrent from the electrical interface to the at least one isolatedground receptacle for transmission of the electrical current to theelectrical device; and a bypass mode, wherein the steps of transmittingelectrical current to the at least one isolated ground receptacle inbypass mode includes transmitting the electrical current supplied by theinput power supply to the electrical interface for transmission of theelectrical current to the at least one isolated ground; and transmittingthe electrical current from the electrical interface to the at least oneisolated ground for transmission of the electrical current to theelectrical device.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, theelectrical device includes an electronic device selected from the groupconsisting of point of sale networks, fueling management systems,computer networks, telecom systems, security systems, automatic tellermachines, and internet kiosks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth above. Otherobjects and advantages of the invention will appear as the inventionproceeds when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 shows a prior art apparatus for grounding isolated groundreceptacles;

FIG. 2 shows a prior art apparatus for grounding isolated groundreceptacles;

FIG. 3 shows an apparatus for grounding isolated ground receptaclesaccording to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a typical installation of the separately derived isolatedground interface apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 shows a wiring diagram for connecting an input power supply,isolated ground receptacles, emergency power off switch, and an isolatedtransformer to the power interface box;

FIG. 6 shows a wiring diagram of the internal components of the powerinterface box operating in normal mode; and

FIG. 7 shows a wiring diagram of the internal components of the powerinterface box operating in bypass mode.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE

Referring now specifically to the drawings, a prior art apparatus forproviding an uninterruptible power supply to isolated ground receptaclesfor critical electronics is illustrated in FIG. 1 and shown generally atreference numeral 10.

As shown in FIG. 1, electrical current from an input power supply 11 issupplied to a critical panel breaker 12. The electrical current issupplied in three phases 11A, 11B, and 11C. A neutral 13 and ground 14of the input power supply 11 are supplied to a critical electronicspanelboard 15. The neutral 13 and ground 14 form a neutral to groundbound 16. In addition, ground 14 is connected to a grounding electrodesystem 17 for the facility to provide an isolated ground to the isolatedground receptacles 18A, 18B, and 18C.

The electrical current 11A, 11B, and 11C are transmitted from thecritical panel breaker 12 to the critical electronics panelboard 15where circuit breakers 20 transmit electrical current 11A to isolatedground receptacle 18A, electrical current 11B to isolated groundreceptacle 18B, and electrical current 11C to isolated ground receptacle18C. The neutral 13 and ground 14 are also connected to isolated groundreceptacles 18A, 18B, and 18C.

The isolated ground is supplied from the ground 14 via isolated groundconductor 21 to an isolated ground termination block 22 located withinthe critical electronics panelboard 15. The isolated ground terminationblock 22 splits the isolated ground conductor 21 into multiple isolatedground conductors 21A, 21B, and 21C to supply an isolated ground to eachof the isolated ground receptacles 18A, 18B, and 18C. Plug-in batterybackups 23A, 23B, and 23C are plugged into isolated ground receptacles18A, 18B, and 18C to provide a battery backup to critical electronics24A, 24B, and 24C.

FIG. 2 shows another prior art apparatus for providing anuninterruptible power supply to isolated ground receptacles for criticalelectronics and is shown generally at 30. Electrical current from aninput power supply 31 is supplied to a critical panel breaker 32. Theelectrical current is supplied in three phases 31A, 31B, and 31C. Aneutral 33 and ground 34 of the input power supply 31 are supplied to acentral hardwired battery backup 35. The neutral 33 and ground 34 form aneutral to ground bound 36. In addition, ground 34 is connected to agrounding electrode system 37 for the facility to provide an isolatedground to isolated ground receptacles 38A, 38B, and 38C.

The electrical current 31A, 31B, and 31C are transmitted from thecritical panel breaker 32 to the central hardwired battery backup 35.The electrical current 31A, 31B, and 31C are then transmitted to thecritical electronics panelboard 39 where circuit breakers 40 transmitelectrical current 31A to isolated ground receptacle 38A, electricalcurrent 31B to isolated ground receptacle 38B, and electrical current31C to isolated ground receptacle 38C. The neutral 33 and ground 34 arealso connected to isolated ground receptacles 38A, 38B, and 38C.

The isolated ground is supplied from the ground 34 via isolated groundconductor 41 to an isolated ground termination block 42 located withinthe critical electronics panelboard 39. The isolated ground terminationblock 42 splits the isolated ground conductor 41 into multiple isolatedground conductors 41A, 41B, and 41C to supply an isolated ground to eachof the isolated ground receptacles 38A, 38B, and 38C. Criticalelectronics 43A, 43B, and 43C are then plugged into isolated groundreceptacles 38A, 38B, and 38C to provide a battery backup to criticalelectronics 43A, 43B, and 43C.

FIG. 3 illustrates schematically a separately derived isolated groundinterface apparatus 50 according to a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention for providing an uninterruptible power supply toisolated ground receptacles for critical electronics. The apparatus 50eliminates the need to run an isolated ground conductor back to the mainservice entrance preventing the isolated ground conductor from beingsubjected to electrical contamination associated with long runs.

Electrical current from an input power supply 51 is supplied to acritical panel breaker 52. The electrical current is supplied in threephases 51A, 51B, and 51C. Electrical current 51A is transmitted from thecritical panel breaker 52 to an interface 53, hereinafter referred to asa power interface box. A neutral 54 and ground 55 of the input powersupply 51 are also supplied to the power interface box 53. The neutral54 and ground 55 form a neutral to ground bound 56. In addition, ground55 is connected to a grounding electrode system 57 for the facility. Thepower interface box 53 transmits the electrical current 51A, the neutral54, and the ground 55 from a female receptacle 84 to an uninterruptiblepower manager (UPM) 59, such as the POWERVAR 1440-11, via a male plug69. The UPM 59 houses an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) 60 forproviding a battery backup, an isolation transformer 61 for providing anisolated ground, a surge diverter (not shown) for diverting a highvoltage transient, and a noise filter (not shown) for protecting againsta high frequency normal mode noise. However, the uninterruptible powersupply 60, the surge diverter (not shown), and the noise filter (notshown) are not necessary for the apparatus 50 to provide an isolatedground for isolated ground receptacles and may be eliminated if desired.

The electrical current is conditioned by the UPM 59 and transmitted fromfemale receptacle 69A to the power interface box 53 via male plug 68.The conditioned electrical current is then transmitted to isolatedground receptacles 58A, 58B, and 58C. The isolation transformer 61housed in the UPM 59 provides an isolated ground necessary for isolatedground receptacles 58A, 58B, and 58C by establishing a neutral to groundbond and preventing the transmission of a common mode voltage to theisolated ground receptacles 58A, 58B, and 58C.

The isolated ground established by the isolation transformer 61 istransmitted to the isolated ground receptacles 58A, 58B, and 58C via thepower interface box 53. An isolated ground conductor 62 is run from thepower interface box 53 to an isolated ground termination block 63. Theisolated ground termination block 63 splits isolated ground conductor 62into multiple isolated ground conductors 62A, 62B, and 62C. Isolatedground conductors 62A, 62B, and 62C are then run from the isolatedground termination block 63 to the isolated ground receptacles 58A, 58B,and 58C providing an isolated ground conductor free of electricalcontamination. Critical electronics 64A, 64B, and 64C are then pluggedinto isolated ground receptacles 58A, 58B, and 58C to provide a batterybackup to critical electronics 64A, 64B, and 64C.

FIG. 4 shows a typical installation of the separately derived isolatedground interface apparatus 50 according to the preferred embodiment ofthe present invention. The apparatus 50 includes the power interface box53, described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. The powerinterface box 53 provides an interface between the input power supply51, the uninterruptible power manager (UPM) 59, and isolated groundreceptacles 58A, 58B, and 58C.

The input power supply 51 supplies electrical current to the powerinterface box 53 via an input conduit 66 running from a circuit breakerbox (junction box) 67. The electrical current is transmitted from thepower interface box 53 to the UPM 59 via male plug 69 running from thefemale receptacle 84 of the power interface box 53 to the UPM 59. TheUPM 59 conditions the electrical current and then transmits theconditioned electrical current from the female receptacle 69A back tothe power interface box 53 via male plug 68. The conditioned electricalcurrent is then transmitted to isolated ground receptacles 58A, 58B, and58C and hardwired electronic systems 70 electrically connected to thepower interface box 53 by output conduits 71A and 71B.

Optionally, an emergency power off (EPO) switch 72 can be electricallyconnected to the power interface box 53 via output conduit 71C to shutthe electrical current from the UPM 59 off in the event of an emergency.In addition, an output conduit 71D can be run from the power interfacebox 53 back to the junction box 67 to allow isolated ground receptacles73A and 73B to be run directly from the junction box 67.

FIG. 5 shows the construction of the power interface box 53. The inputpower supply 51 supplies electrical current to the power interface box53 by a single circuit breaker 74 housed in the junction box 67. Thecircuit breaker 74 is electrically connected to an input powertermination block 76 within the power interface box 53. The powerinterface box 53 houses four output isolated ground termination blocks77, 78, 79, and 80, for connecting isolated ground receptacles and/orhardwired loads, but any suitable configuration could be used. Theoutput isolated ground termination blocks 77, 78, 79, and 80 allow up tothree circuits to be installed on one termination block, resulting in atotal of up to twelve circuits for four termination blocks. The powerinterface box 53 also includes an emergency power off (EPO) terminationblock 81 for installation of the optional EPO switch 72 and an inputtermination block 82 for connection to the UPM 59.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the power interface box 53 is designedto allow the UPM 59 to be bypassed with bypass switch 83 for service andmaintenance. The electrical current supplied by the circuit breaker 74is electrically connected to line “1” (L1) 76A, neutral 76B, and ground76C terminals of the input power termination block 76. The Line “1”terminal 76A of the input termination block 76 is directly connected tothe bypass switch 83 at contact 83A and an input power indicator light86.

The neutral terminal 76B of the input power termination block 76 iselectrically connected to the bypass switch 83 at contact 83F, a femalereceptacle 84 at terminal 84B, and the input power indicator light 86.The ground terminal 76C of the input power termination block 76 iselectrically connected in parallel with ground terminals 77C, 78C, 79C,and 80C of the four isolated ground termination blocks 77, 78, 79, and80. The ground terminal 76C of the input power termination block 76 isalso electrically connected to the ground terminal 84C of the femalereceptacle 84. A line terminal 84A of the female receptacle 84 is alsodirectly connected to the bypass switch 83 at contact 83A, the inputpower indicator light 86, and the line “1” terminal 76A of the inputpower termination block 76.

Load terminals 77A, 78A, 79A, and 80A of the isolated ground terminationblocks 77, 78, 79, and 80 are electrically connected in parallel witheach other and are then electrically connected to the bypass switch 83at contact 83B and output power indicator 87. Isolated ground terminals77D, 78D, 79D, and 80D of the isolated ground termination blocks 77, 78,79, and 80 are electrically connected in parallel and are thenelectrically connected to ground terminal 82C of the UPM inputtermination block 82. Neutral terminals 77B, 78B, 79B, and 80B areelectrically connected in parallel with each other and are thenconnected to the bypass switch 83 at contact 83E and output powerindicator 87.

Line “2” (L2) terminal 82A of the UPM input termination block 82 iselectrically connected to the bypass switch 83 at contact 83D via theEPO termination block 81. Ground terminal 82C is electrically connectedto the parallel ground 84C and isolated ground 77D, 78D, 79D, and 80Dterminals of the isolated ground termination blocks 77, 78, 79, and 80.Neutral terminal 82B is electrically connected to the bypass switch 83at terminal 83C. The male plug 68 supplying electrical current from theUPM 59 is electrically connected to the line “2” 82A, neutral 82B, andground 82C terminals of the UPM input termination block 82.

In operation, the circuit breaker 74 supplies unconditioned electricalcurrent to terminal 76A of the input power termination block 76. Theelectrical current is then transmitted to the bypass switch 83 atcontact 83A, the female receptacle 84 at terminal 84A, and to the inputpower indicator light 86. The neutral is transmitted to terminal 76B ofthe input power termination block 76 and to the bypass switch 83 atcontact 83F, the female receptacle 84 at terminal 84B, and the inputpower indicator 86. The ground is connected to terminal 76C of the inputpower termination block and to ground terminals 77C, 78C, 79C, and 80Cof the isolated ground termination blocks 77, 78, 79, and 80. The groundis also connected to ground terminal 84C of the female receptacle 84 andground terminal 82C of the UPM input termination block 82.

Referring specifically to FIG. 6, in normal operation, the bypass switch83 transmits electrical current to the female receptacle 84 via contacts83A and 83F. The electrical current is then transmitted via the maleplug 69 to the UPM 59 where it is conditioned. The conditionedelectrical current is then transmitted back to the power interface box53 from the UPM female receptacle 69A via the male plug 68. The UPMinput termination block 82 supplies the conditioned electrical currentto the bypass switch 83 at contact 83D to contact 83B, the conditionedneutral to the bypass switch 83 at contact 83C to contact 83E, and theisolated ground to ground terminal 82C of the input termination block 82and ground terminals 77D, 78D, 79D, and 80D of the isolated groundtermination blocks 77, 78, 79, and 80. The bypass switch 83 thentransmits the conditioned electrical current to the load terminals 77A,78A, 79A, and 80A of the four isolated ground termination blocks 77, 78,79, and 80 via contact 83B. The bypass switch 83 then transmits theconditioned neutral to the load terminals 77B, 78B, 79B, and 80B of thefour isolated ground termination blocks 77, 78, 79, and 80 via contact83E.

Referring specifically to FIG. 7, in bypass operation, the bypass switch83 eliminates the UPM input termination block 82 and male plug 68 andtransmits the unconditioned electrical current directly to the loadterminals 77A, 78A, 79A, and 80A of the isolated ground terminationblocks 77, 78, 79, and 80 via contacts 83B and the neutral loadterminals 77B, 78B, 79B, and 80B of the isolated ground terminationblocks via contact 83E.

Optionally, the emergency power off (EPO) switch 72 can be electricallyconnected to EPO terminals 81 by removing a wire jumper between a bottomside of terminals 81A and 81B and installing the EPO switch 72 in anormally-closed (N/C) wiring configuration. When the EPO switch 72 isactivated, the electrical current is removed from terminals 81A andcontact 83D of the bypass switch 83, which removes the current fromterminal 83B of bypass switch 83 and line terminals 77A, 78A, 79A, and80A of the isolated ground termination blocks 77, 78, 79, and 80.

A separately derived isolated ground interface apparatus utilizing apower interface box capable of providing an interface between anisolation transformer and a remote, hard wired isolated groundreceptacle is described above. Various details of the invention may bechanged without departing from its scope. Furthermore, the foregoingdescription of the preferred embodiments of the invention and the bestmode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose ofillustration only and not for the purpose of limitation, the inventionbeing identified in the claims.

1. An isolated ground interface apparatus for providing a remotetermination point for isolated ground conductors, comprising: (a) anisolation transformer for establishing a neutral to ground bond andthereby preventing transmission of a common mode voltage from an inputpower supply to an electrical device; (b) at least one isolated groundreceptacle for providing a separate ground reference point from achassis ground for preventing transmission of electrical noise to theelectrical device; and (c) an electrical interface for electricallyinterconnecting the isolation transformer, the input power supply, andthe at least one isolated ground receptacle together, whereby the inputpower supply transmits an electrical current through the electricalinterface to the isolation transformer, the isolation transformerproviding an isolated ground through the electrical interface to theisolated ground conductor electrically connected to the separate groundreference point of the at least one isolated ground receptacle.
 2. Theisolated ground interface apparatus according to claim 1, and furthercomprising an emergency power off switch for disconnecting theelectrical current supplied from the isolation transformer to theisolated ground receptacles.
 3. The isolated ground interface apparatusaccording to claim 2, wherein the electrical interface includes anemergency power off termination block for electrically connecting theemergency power off switch for disconnecting the electrical currentsupplied from the isolation transformer to the isolated groundreceptacles.
 4. The isolated ground interface apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the electrical interface includes an input powertermination block for electrically connecting the electrical currentsupplied by the input power supply to the electrical interface.
 5. Theisolated ground interface apparatus according to claim 1, wherein theelectrical interface includes a female receptacle for receiving a maleplug from the isolation transformer.
 6. The isolated ground interfaceapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electrical interfaceincludes a male plug for connecting the electrical interface to theisolation transformer.
 7. The isolated ground interface apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the electrical interface includes at leastone isolated ground termination block for electrically connecting the atleast one isolated ground receptacle to the electrical interface.
 8. Theisolated ground interface apparatus according to claim 1, wherein theelectrical device comprises an electronic device selected from the groupconsisting of point of sale networks, fueling management systems,computer networks, telecom systems, security systems, automatic tellermachines, and internet kiosks.
 9. The isolated ground apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the electrical interface includes a bypassswitch for bypassing the isolation transformer for allowing service andmaintenance to be performed without disrupting the electrical currenttransmitted to the isolated ground receptacles.
 10. An isolated groundinterface apparatus for providing a remote termination point forisolated ground conductors, comprising: (a) an isolation transformer forestablishing a neutral to ground bond and thereby preventingtransmission of a common mode voltage from an input power supply to anelectronic device; (b) a battery backup for providing an uninterruptiblepower supply to the electronic device; (c) at least one isolated groundreceptacle for providing a separate ground reference point from achassis ground for preventing transmission of electrical noise to theelectronic device; and (d) an electrical interface for electricallyinterconnecting the isolation transformer, the input power supply, andthe at least one isolated ground receptacle together, whereby the inputpower supply transmits an electrical current through the electricalinterface to the isolation transformer, the isolation transformerproviding an isolated ground through the electrical interface to theisolated ground conductor electrically connected to the separate groundreference point of the at least one isolated ground receptacle, theelectrical interface comprising: (i) at least one isolated groundtermination block for electrically connecting the at least one isolatedground receptacle to the electrical interface; (ii) an input powertermination block for electrically connecting the electrical currentsupplied by the input power supply to the electrical interface; and(iii) a female receptacle for receiving a male plug from the isolationtransformer.
 11. The isolated ground interface apparatus according toclaim 10, and further comprising an emergency power off switch fordisconnecting the electrical current supplied by the battery backup tothe at least one isolated ground receptacle.
 12. The isolated groundinterface apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the electricalinterface includes a bypass switch for bypassing the isolationtransformer for allowing service and maintenance to be performed withoutdisrupting the electrical current transmitted to the isolated groundreceptacles.
 13. The isolated ground interface apparatus according toclaim 10, wherein the electrical interface includes a male plug forelectrically connecting the electrical interface to the isolationtransformer.
 14. The isolated ground interface apparatus according toclaim 11, wherein the electrical interface includes an emergency poweroff termination block for electrically connecting the emergency poweroff switch for disconnecting the electrical current supplied from theisolation transformer to the isolated ground receptacles.
 15. Anelectrical interface for an isolated ground interface apparatus havingan isolation transformer, an input power supply, and at least oneisolated ground receptacle, the electrical interface comprising: (a) aninput power termination block for electrically connecting an electricalcurrent supplied by the input power supply to the electrical interface;(b) at least one isolated ground termination block for electricallyconnecting the at least one isolated ground receptacle to the electricalinterface; (c) a male plug for connecting the electrical interface tothe isolation transformer; and (d) a female receptacle for receiving amale plug from the isolation transformer.
 16. The electrical interfaceaccording to claim 15, and further comprising a bypass switch forbypassing the isolation transformer for allowing service and maintenanceto be performed without disrupting the electrical current supplied bythe input power supply to the isolated ground receptacles.
 17. Theelectrical interface according to claim 15, and further comprising anemergency power off termination block for electrically connecting anemergency power off switch for disconnecting the electrical currentsupplied by the input power supply from the isolation transformer.
 18. Amethod of providing electrical current supplied by an input power supplyto at least one isolated ground receptacle through an isolationtransformer using an electrical interface, the electrical interfacehaving: (a) a normal mode, wherein the steps of transmitting electricalcurrent to the at least one isolated ground receptacle in the normalmode comprises: (i) transmitting the electrical current from the inputpower supply to the electrical interface for transmission of theelectrical current to the isolation transformer; (ii) transmitting theelectrical current from the electrical interface to the isolationtransformer for establishing a neutral to ground bond and therebypreventing transmission of a common mode voltage from the input powersupply to an electrical device; (iii) transmitting the electricalcurrent from the isolation transformer to the electrical interface fortransmission of the electrical current to the at least one isolatedground receptacle; (iv) transmitting the electrical current from theelectrical interface to the at least one isolated ground receptacle fortransmission of the electrical current to the electrical device; and (b)a bypass mode, wherein the steps of transmitting electrical current tothe at least one isolated ground receptacle in bypass mode comprises:(i) transmitting the electrical current supplied by the input powersupply to the electrical interface for transmission of the electricalcurrent to the at least one isolated ground; and (ii) transmitting theelectrical current from the electrical interface to the at least oneisolated ground for transmission of the electrical current to theelectrical device.
 19. The method according to claim 1, wherein theelectrical device comprises an electronic device selected from the groupconsisting of point of sale networks, fueling management systems,computer networks, telecom systems, security systems, automatic tellermachines, and internet kiosks.